UnitLevel 3Undergraduate

PHY3181 Reproductive physiology

Faculty of Science

PHY3181 Reproductive physiology is a level 3, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Science, offered in 2024 in Semester 1 at Clayton. It has no prerequisites.

Credit points
6
Offered in 2024
Semester 1
Clayton
Assessment
Exam 25%
and 3 other tasks

This is the 2024 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.

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Requisites

Before PHY3181

No prerequisites or corequisites besides the enrolment rules below.

After PHY3181

No unit lists PHY3181 as a prerequisite in the 2024 handbook.

Enrolment rules

PREREQUISITE: PHY2011 and PHY2032; or BMS1052 and BMS2031; or NUT1103 and NUT2103; or at the discretion of the unit coordinator.

Overview

This unit presents you with an introduction to cutting-edge research in the detailed study of reproduction including hormonal control, ovarian and menstrual cycles, fertilization and reproductive diseases. You will consider how various physiological states such as body weight, stress and aging influence reproduction. You will explore current research ideas on normal function and dysfunction in this area, and new technologies. 

Offerings in 2024

Teaching periodCampusMode
First semesterClaytonFlx blk

Assessment

  • In-semester assessments (report, abstract, worksheet)Other
    50%
  • Multiple choice testIn class test
    10%
  • Multimedia presentation with Q&A sessionPresentation
    15%
  • Final assessment - Exam (2 hours and 10 minutes)ExamThreshold hurdle
    25%

Learning outcomes

When you finish this unit, you should be able to:

  1. 1

    Describe the structures and functions of the endocrine system in the body;

  2. 2

    Explain the hormonal and neuronal control of male and female reproductive function;

  3. 3

    Explain the consequences of abnormal reproductive physiology and the associated diseases or pathologies;

  4. 4

    Critically evaluate the scientific literature and present current reproductive physiology research in written and oral forms;

  5. 5

    Demonstrate physiology laboratory skills, including dissection, histology, data analysis and graphing;

  6. 6

    Work in groups to complete experimental projects and communicate research developments in applied reproduction topics.

Workload and teaching

  • Workshops9 hours
  • Laboratories6 hours
  • Lectures16 hours
  • Teaching approachPeer assisted learning
  • Teaching approachResearch activities
  • Teaching approachActive learning
  • 6 hours of directed learning (pre-recorded video lectures, laboratory classes/workshops, pre and post-class/lecture activities) and
  • 6 hours of self-directed study per week

You are required to work in teams to research a topic related to the lecture content of applied reproduction and present the information as an oral presentation.

You are required to complete two laboratory classes where practical skills are taught around two specific research areas: male reproduction and neuroendocrinology. For both projects, you will generate data that needs to be analysed and interpreted and communicate the findings in the form of a written scientific report or worksheet.

A data-based research project is offered instead of practical/laboratory session where you are given the opportunity to analyse data and interpret the findings in terms of specific hypotheses in female reproduction. The work is designed to reinforce lecture content.

Learning resources

Required resources

Prescribed textbook: Vander’s Human Physiology (by Widmaier, Raff and Strang).

Where it fits

PHY3181 is part of 1 area of study in the 2024 handbook.

Contacts

Chief Examiners
Dr Christine Lee
Unit Coordinators
Professor Renea Taylor
Dr Christine Lee

Common questions

What are the prerequisites for PHY3181?

PHY3181 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.

When is PHY3181 offered?

In 2024, PHY3181 runs in Semester 1 at Clayton.

Does PHY3181 have an exam?

Yes. The exam is worth 25% of the final mark, alongside 3 other tasks.

Which majors and minors include PHY3181?

PHY3181 is part of Physiology.

More details

Credit points
6
Level
3
Study level
Undergraduate
Faculty
Faculty of Science
Type
Coursework
EFTSL
0.125
Student contribution
SCA Band 2
Study abroad
Available